Strathmerton is well and truly back in the hunt, with the Picola and District Football League side picking up another win on Saturday.
The side’s third victory in a row was an impressive one, with the Bulldogs downing Jerilderie 7.4 (46) to 11.8 (74) at the Jerilderie Recreation Reserve.
After an even first term, the Bulldogs pulled away in the second, before a big third term saw them run away with the game.
Strathmerton coach Tim Bramich said he felt like his side was in control for most of the game.
“It was a really good win,” Bramich said.
“It was a solid win, we had three pull out before the game so we were a bit light on and we’ve got a few injuries throughout the whole club but we handled it pretty well.”
Tyson Sidebottom stood out for the Bulldogs, while Jake Ellery appears to be adapting to Strathmerton’s style well, with the number 27 named second best.
“I thought we were really good in the midfield,” Bramich said.
“They’ve (Jerilderie) always been pretty good in the midfield so we sort of put it on our boys to match them or better them in there and I thought they did that.
“Tyson (Sidebottom) had a really good game, he’s back from a broken hand, Jake’s had a really solid year in the middle and is just getting used to our style of footy too so he’s finding his feet really well.”
The win moves Strathmerton to fourth spot on the ladder, with five wins and two losses.
Bramich said while early wins were good, there was plenty of time during the season to get to where the side wanted to be.
“It is starting to turn for us I hope, we get a few more players back this week and hopefully that filters through the whole club,” he said.
“We’ve had two good away wins now that will hopefully hold us in good stead towards the back end of the year.”
For Jerilderie, Kane Hawkins, Bodhi Beasley and Oliver Knight were the top three, with the disappointing loss leaving the side on just two wins after eight rounds.
In other Picola and District Football League action Katamatite bounced back strongly after its loss to Tungamah, downing Mathoura by 172 points, while Yarroweyah’s reserves team had the bye.
Meanwhile in the A-grade netball Strathmerton produced an impressive 29-goal win over Jerilderie and Katamatite downed Mathoura by 50 goals.